ICRC Operational Appeal 2017: Yaoundé (Regional)

ICRC Operational Appeal 2017: Yaoundé (Regional)

Conflict-affected people in northern Cameroon better cope with their situation with emergency assistance from the ICRC. Some use ICRC-provided seed/tools or veterinary services to regain or bolster sources of food and income.

In northern Cameroon, sick and wounded people have improved access to services at ICRC-supported health facilities. Those unable to reach these facilities are able to receive treatment from mobile health units.

In prisons to which the ICRC has access, detainees, particularly those held for security reasons, have improved living conditions as a result of direct assistance from the ICRC and/or through its support to the authorities.

Members of families dispersed by armed conflict or other situations of violence, detention or migration reconnect via RCMs and phone calls. Where appropriate, separated and unaccompanied children rejoin their families.

Through dialogue, various events and the media, the region’s authorities, weapon bearers and civil society reinforce their understanding and acceptance of the Movement; they help facilitate people’s access to humanitarian aid.

The region’s National Societies – notably the Cameroon Red Cross Society and the Congolese Red Cross – develop their capacity to respond safely to emergencies with ICRC financial, material and technical support.

CONTEXT

The conflict in connection with the activities of the armed group that calls itself Islamic State’s West Africa Province (also known as Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad or Boko Haram) continues throughout the Lake Chad region. Cameroon – along with its neighbours Chad, Niger and Nigeria – maintains its support for combat operations against the armed group by sending troops (see African Union). The spillover effects of the conflict continue to affect IDPs, refugees and residents of host communities in the north, and humanitarian needs continue to grow.

Central African refugees are still present in eastern Cameroon and northern Congo as the overall security situation in the Central African Republic (hereafter CAR) remains fragile.

In the Congo, particularly in the Pool region, political tensions occasionally culminate in violence, leading to arrests and episodes of temporary displacement.

Political concerns and socio-economic frustrations persist throughout the region; governments maintain tight security measures in response to, and to forestall, insecurity and unrest.